Dustin Johnson misses pro-am with a sore neck

AP , Associated Press

Jan. 2, 20149:29 PM ET

KAPALUA, Hawaii (AP) — Dustin Johnson says his neck is feeling better and that he expects to defend his title in the Tournament of Champions.

Johnson withdrew from the pro-am Thursday because of stiffness in the left side of his neck. He says he slept on it awkwardly, and then felt a twinge as he turned suddenly when someone called his name.

He says he took some strong anti-inflammatory medicine and his trainer has been working on it.

Defending champion Geoff Ogilvy had to withdraw in 2011 after gouging his finger on coral reef while in the ocean. Lucas Glover withdrew a year later after injuring his knee on a paddle board.

Johnson should be OK. He said his neck felt loose enough that he was going to try to hit balls Thursday evening.